Brachytherapy | Characteristics and Types

What are the characteristics of Brachytherapy?

• Can be used in combination with external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Extremely localized effect. The irradiation does not affect  the healthy tissues further away from the source.
• The radiation sources are placed in a protective capsule or a wire, which does not let the source move around, or get dissolved in the body fluids.
• This capsule can be removed later, or allowed to stay permanently.
• It retains its position even if the tumor moves or the patient changes the position.
• It is completed in lesser time than other RT techniques.
• Hence, it reduces the survival of cancer cells.
• This can be given on Out-patient basis, which is convenient for the patients.
• Has shown good patient compliance.

Brachytherapy seed implant (with Iodine-125)
image courtesy-isoaid.com

What is Brachytherapy ?

What is Brachytherapy?
The word 'Brachy' means 'close distance' in Greek.
This is a form of Radiotherapy, where radioactive substance is in very close proximity to the tumor, hence reducing the risk of involving other healthy tissues around.
Also known as internal radiotherapy.
Involves placing a 'short-range radioactive source' either inside the tumor (interstitial), or near the tumor ( intracavitary)

1.Interstitial brachytherapy :

• The radioactive source is placed inside the tumor
• Mainly used for gynecological tumors , breast cancer, head and neck cancers.

Interstitial Brachytherapy